Shillong: Former MLA John Leslee K. Sangma has accused the Meghalaya government of disregarding noise pollution norms and causing severe inconvenience to residents living around the Polo Ground during the Cherry Blossom Festival held last week.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Sangma said residents within a three-four kilometre radius of the venue—particularly those in Mawlai Mawroh—were subjected to “extreme noise levels” during the two-night musical concert.
He claimed noise from the event crossed 120 decibels and continued past midnight, allegedly violating the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which prescribe a limit of 45 dB in residential areas and 40 dB around hospitals and schools from 10 pm to 6 am.
Sangma alleged that the loud music and fireworks also affected patients at Ganesh Das Hospital, located close to the venue, including those admitted to the maternity ward and NICU/PICU.
“The government has allowed a music festival to take precedence over the lives and health of its own citizens,” he said.
The former MLA, who has lived in Mawlai Mawroh for a decade, said even homes farther from the stadium experienced window vibrations due to the sound levels.
He accused the government of “blatant violation” of the very regulations it enforces strictly during elections.
Sangma also criticised the traffic congestion triggered by the festival, alleging that Shillong’s already strained roads were choked, with commuters taking up to 40 minutes to travel 400 metres.
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This, he said, resulted in wasted time and increased fuel consumption for residents.
While acknowledging the state’s efforts to boost tourism, the former legislator said it should not come at the cost of public inconvenience or fundamental rights.
He said he will file a formal complaint with the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board and demand accountability for the alleged violation of noise norms.
Sangma also urged the Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister to apologise to residents of the affected localities, saying such a gesture would assure citizens that similar incidents will not recur.
